In Hedge Craft, the Upperworld is an important part of its cosmology. This realm is often seen as a place of inspiration, where immortal beings—sometimes called The Shining Ones—are believed to dwell. These beings are viewed as guides, teachers, and keepers of ancient wisdom, offering spiritual insight and creative inspiration.
The Upperworld is not just a place of literal light, but a realm of enlightenment, clarity, and higher understanding. It is thought to be where the first spark of intention forms—an idea or desire that begins its journey toward becoming real in the physical world. This process is often pictured as the branches of the world tree reaching upward, while the trunk and roots stay firmly connected to the earth. This image reminds us that spiritual growth and inspiration are always supported by our material and ancestral foundations.
In many modern views, light and darkness are seen as opposites, with light representing good and darkness representing evil. In Hedge Craft, these ideas are more complex. The darkness of the Lowerworld is not considered evil, but rather a place of mystery, transformation, and the unknown—a space for deep reflection and personal change. The light of the Upperworld is not simply ‘good,’ but is linked to insight, revelation, and the discovery of truth. Both realms are important, each offering unique lessons and opportunities for growth.
The Upperworld is sometimes called the realm of the gods, but this is a simplification. In Hedge Craft, divine beings and archetypes can be found in all three worlds: the Lowerworld, Middleworld, and Upperworld. The Upperworld, however, is often seen as the place where the purest forms or ideals exist, serving as inspiration and guidance for those on a spiritual path.
In the Hedge Druid’s Craft, it is common to begin exploring with the Lowerworld and Middleworld before turning to the Upperworld. The Lowerworld offers knowledge of our roots, ancestors, and the mysteries of transformation. The Middleworld grounds us in the present and the realities of daily life. Only after building a strong foundation in these realms is it considered helpful to reach for the branches of the world tree and seek the insights of the Upperworld. Without this foundation, the journey may feel unsteady, and the lessons of the Upperworld may be harder to understand.
The journey through the worlds in Hedge Craft is a process of self-discovery and spiritual growth. By learning about ourselves through our ancestral connections and understanding our place in the present, we prepare to explore deeper mysteries, the nature of divinity, and the questions of our own souls. The Upperworld invites us to seek inspiration, wisdom, and enlightenment, while reminding us that true growth comes from balancing and integrating all parts of ourselves.
